Goji Berry
Also known as: Lycium barbarum, wolfberry, LBP, Lycium barbarum polysaccharide, goji
Effective Dosage
28 g (whole berry) or 300–400 mg extract daily based on study doses
What the Science Says
Goji berry is a bright red fruit from the Lycium barbarum plant, long used in traditional Chinese medicine. Its main active compounds are polysaccharides (LBP), which appear to reduce oxidative stress in the body. Small clinical trials suggest it may support macular pigment density in the eyes, slow cone degeneration in a rare eye disease, modestly improve sperm quality in men with varicocele, and help manage blood sugar in type 2 diabetes — typically at doses of 28 g whole berries or 300–400 mg extract daily over 90 days or more.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to cure or prevent age-related macular degeneration. Won't replace diabetes medication — any blood sugar effect is modest and studied only as an add-on. No evidence it boosts energy, extends lifespan, or detoxifies the body. Not a proven weight-loss aid. The 'superfood' label is mostly marketing — the studies are small and preliminary.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Goji berry polysaccharides (LBP) show antioxidant activity, with one small RCT (PMID: 41032943, n=80) finding improved sperm parameters and reduced oxidative stress markers in varicocele patients. A pilot RCT (PMID: 34959963, n=27) found increased macular pigment optical density in healthy adults consuming 28g/day, suggesting potential eye health benefits via zeaxanthin content. A double-blind RCT (PMID: 30877066, n=42) found LB supplementation helped delay cone degeneration in retinitis pigmentosa patients over 12 months.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 300-400 mg/day (polysaccharide extract); 28 g/day (whole berry) based on provided studies
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown for humans — no pharmacokinetic studies in the provided papers. Animal data suggests LBP activates antioxidant pathways (Nrf2/Keap1), but human absorption data is lacking.
Red Flags to Watch For
- A rat study found that goji berry juice at doses equivalent to typical human consumption caused elevated liver enzymes, increased reactive species in liver and kidney, and kidney structural changes — raising safety questions that need more research.
- All human clinical trials in the provided data are small (27–80 participants) with short follow-up (90 days to 12 months), limiting confidence in results.
- Goji berries are widely sold in products making broad anti-aging and disease-prevention claims that go far beyond what the current evidence supports.
- Heavy metal contamination (including lead) has been flagged as a safety concern in Chinese herbal medicines including goji — source and testing quality matter.
- People taking diabetes medications should use caution, as LBP may have additive blood-sugar-lowering effects.
Products Containing Goji Berry
See how Goji Berry is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-06